Right from her first year at BUV, Vương Phương Thanh – a graduate of the Accounting & Finance programme – knew she wanted to build a career in global finance. With a strong interest in Economics and Accounting, she stayed focused throughout her three years of study and, after graduation, secured a role at KPMG Vietnam, one of the world’s Big Four auditing firms.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” This famous quote by Abraham Lincoln perfectly captures the journey of Phuong Thanh – an outstanding BUV alumna who dedicated her university years to diligently honing her mindset, knowledge, and practical skills, methodically preparing herself for a career in the professional finance sector. That perseverance laid a solid foundation for Thanh to quickly rise to the position of senior associate at KPMG Vietnam after just a few years of working. But her journey didn’t stop there – Thanh continued to reach beyond borders, pursuing a Master’s degree at Griffith College (Ireland) and has now embarked on a new chapter at KPMG in this beautiful country.
Sharpening skills, building resilience
From her first year at BUV, Thanh already had a clear sense of direction. She actively sought opportunities to learn, grow her skill set, and gain practical experience while still a student.
In BUV’s open and supportive environment, Thanh gradually developed the ability to think independently and approach problems with clarity and logic – both essential qualities in a field like Finance and Accounting. Beyond the classroom, she also benefited from extracurricular activities, student clubs, and industry talks, which allowed her to strengthen her soft skills and grow the confidence she would later bring into her career.
Phuong Thanh (second from the left) was an active participant in extracurricular activities during her time as a student.
Thanh also gained early workplace experience through internships. In her first year, she secured an internship in the Accounting Department at Sheraton Hotel, supported by BUV’s Career Services – from CV reviews to interview preparation. This early experience not only gave her a glimpse into the professional setting but also served as an important head start for her future career path.
Thanh consistently took the initiative to gain practical experience early on, steadily turning her career goals into reality.
“These early internships gave me – and many other BUV students – a real edge when applying for jobs later on. They showed employers we were ready – not just on paper, but in practice too,” Thanh shared.
Steadfast through challenges, growing with trust
Thanh began her journey at KPMG Vietnam as an intern in the Corporate Tax Services department. With eagerness to learn and steady effort, she gradually progressed through full-time roles – and was promoted to Senior in just about three years, a clear recognition of her professional growth and dedication.
Working at KPMG came with its share of pressure, especially during peak tax settlement periods. But it was that demanding pace that helped Thanh develop self-discipline, teamwork, time management, and work with accuracy and professionalism.
“It was the experience of working in a high-intensity environment like KPMG that helped me develop essential skills,” Thanh shared.
“One thing I’ve learnt is to stay proactive in communication – keep others updated and don’t hesitate to ask when something’s unclear. Most importantly, building trust and being dependable are what help you grow in any high-performing workplace,” Thanh shared with those who share her passion.
Reaching further: From local success to a global stage
Having built a solid career at KPMG Vietnam, Thanh set her sights on the next challenge. Carrying the can-do attitude she had nurtured during her time at BUV, she began preparing for postgraduate study abroad and sought out opportunities to grow in an international working environment.
Balancing a full-time job with scholarship application, Thanh earned impressive results: a full Master’s scholarship from a university in Hungary, along with two 50% offers from universities in the UK and Ireland – a well-deserved return for the effort she had consistently invested. She eventually chose Ireland, often known as Europe’s “Emerald Isle,” as the next step in her academic and career journey.
Through her persistent efforts, Thanh earned a scholarship to study in Ireland and graduated with a Distinction in the Master’s programme in Finance and Accounting at Griffith College Dublin.
It was also in Ireland that she took her next big step: Joining the Audit Department at KPMG Ireland. Switching focus and entering a new market meant adapting to the pace and expectations of European auditing – a challenge that tested not only her skills, but also her resilience and long-term commitment to growth. Guided by the belief that perseverance creates its own opportunities – and grounded in the knowledge and mindset she had built through years of learning and working in Vietnam – Thanh quickly adapted and continued to prove herself in a global setting.
Her journey shows that when you’re well-prepared, committed to lifelong learning, and open to new challenges, stepping onto the global stage isn’t just a dream – it’s entirely within reach.
